Fire and smoke protection system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes a fire and smoke protection system for limiting the spread of fire and smoke through an opening, including those in building structures. The system includes a flexible protection member configurable in a storage configuration for subsequent deployment into a protection configuration when fire occurs. The flexible protection member is configurable in single and/or multi-layer arrangements with one or more materials, alone or in combination, and using a variety of construction methods. Generally, the flexible protection member is manufacturable using fire resistant woven and knitted fabric elements, metal foil elements, intumescent elements, and/or wire mesh elements arranged to increase the resistance to forces encountered during a fire. The various elements may be seamed using different stitching patterns and gathered using non-fire resistant thread in order to increase flexibility and resistance to forces. The flexible protection member may also be formed in segments coupled together by clamping members.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to and incorporatesherein by this reference in its entirety, U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/584,883, which is entitled “Smoke and FireProtection Device” and filed on Jan. 10, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, generally, to the field of systems,including apparatuses and methods, for limiting the spread of fire andsmoke in a building structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fires within building structures often start in a single room orlocation and spread from room-to-room traveling through interiordoorways and other openings. As fires progress through buildingstructures burning various combustible materials, a substantial amountof smoke is generally produced with such smoke potentially includingtoxic gases that are generated when certain materials and chemicalcompounds are oxidized. While the fires can cause significant propertydamage and destroy or weaken building structures, the smoke and toxicgases can cause substantial physical injury or death to persons whoinhale them. Thus, by limiting the spread of fires and smoke withinbuilding structures, damage to property and building structures may beminimized and physical injury to, and the potential death of, personswithin building structures may be prevented.

Many attempts have been made to develop devices that limit the spread offire and smoke through doorways and other openings in buildingstructures. Unfortunately, many of the devices have been found to becomemechanically unstable after a fire. Therefore, a number of jurisdictionshave begun requiring such devices to pass a test known as the “HoseStream Test” in order to be approved for use in their jurisdiction. TheHose Stream Test is generally run on a device for limiting the spread offire and smoke after it has been exposed to high temperatures over along period of time during a separate fire test. In the Hose StreamTest, a jet of water such as that produced by a fire hose is directed atthe device, generally, from a direction that is normal to the device. Topass the Hose Stream Test, the device must withstand the forces exertedon the device by the water jet and not become mechanically unstable.

Typically, the devices that have been developed to limit the spread offire and smoke fall into two categories. A first type of devices hasattempted to limit the spread of fire and smoke by sealing openings withflexible protection members including a plurality of slats. Examples ofsuch devices include fire protection roller shutters, fire doors, andcurtains made of metal components that slide over and relative to oneanother. Advantageously, these devices limit the spread of fire andsmoke while being capable of withstanding mechanical loads particularlywell, including after exposure to fire. As a consequence, many suchdevices have passed the Hose Stream Test. Unfortunately, these devicesare typically heavy and require a large amount of space.

A second type of devices has attempted to limit the spread of fire andsmoke by sealing openings with a flexible protection member manufacturedfrom a fire resistant material that can be wound around a reel orwinding shaft. The fire resistant materials used in such devicestypically include woven textile fabrics having warp and weft threads.Beneficially, these devices reduce the spread of fire and smoke, arerelatively light in weight, and save space. However, these devices aregenerally less resistant to mechanical influences and loads than devicesof the first type described above. Consequentially, many of thesedevices cannot pass the Hose Stream Test.

There is, therefore, a need in the industry for a fire and smokeprotection system that limits the spread of fire and smoke throughopenings in building structures, is lightweight, requires minimal space,is capable of withstanding mechanical loads during and after exposure tofire, is capable of passing the Hose Stream Test, and that solves thedifficulties, problems, and shortcomings of existing systems.

SUMMARY

Broadly described, the present invention comprises a fire and smokeprotection system, including apparatuses and methods, for limiting thespread of fire and smoke through an opening. In a plurality of exampleembodiments described herein, the fire and smoke protection systemcomprises multiple components that may be selectively included,constructed and configured to meet the requirements of particularapplications and of the Hose Stream Test. For example, the variouscomponents of the fire and smoke protection system include a flexibleprotection member that is configurable in a storage configuration forsubsequent deployment into a protection configuration in the event of afire. As described herein with respect to example embodiments, theflexible protection member may be configured in a variety ofarrangements using a variety of materials, alone or in combination, andusing a variety of construction methods. Generally and withoutlimitation, the flexible protection member may be manufactured usingfire resistant woven and knitted fabric elements, metal foil elements,intumescent elements, and/or wire mesh elements in many differentarrangements, including multi-layer structures, with each material,element and arrangement having certain advantages in limiting the spreadof fire and smoke while resisting external forces and retainingmechanical strength and stability sufficient to pass the Hose StreamTest.

Thus, in an example embodiment, a flexible protection member maycomprise a multi-layer structure including a metal foil elementsandwiched between two woven fabric elements with the multi-layerstructure being surrounded in the lateral and longitudinal directions bya single layer, knitted fabric element. Advantageously, when deployed,the multi-layer structure provides resistance to the spread of fire andsmoke, while the knitted fabric elements stretch to enable the flexibleprotection member to withstand forces acting on it during a fire,including those forces nearest the edges of the flexible protectionmember which may have the greatest magnitude.

In another example embodiment, a flexible protection member may besimilar to the above-described flexible protection member, but include asegment of the knitted fabric element above the multi-layer structureformed with a gathering or overlap of material held in position withseams having non-fire resistant thread. Upon exposure to fire, the seamsare destroyed or come undone, thereby permitting the gathered andoverlapping knitted fabric segment to become non-gathered, providingmore knitted fabric material available to stretch upon the applicationof forces thereto, and producing more surface area normal to the forcesand distributing the forces over the greater surface area.

In yet another example embodiment, a flexible protection member may beconstructed using seams between fabric and metal foil members that areformed with stitching patterns and/or stitching arrangements that aremore flexible and stretchable than other types of stitching patterns andstitching arrangements. Through the use of such flexible stitchingpatterns and/or stitching arrangements, the flexible protection memberincludes seams with improved flexibility and stretchability thatcontribute to the overall ability of the flexible protection member toflex, deform, and stretch in response to forces being applied to theflexible protection member.

In still another example embodiment, a flexible protection member may bemanufactured with a metal foil element imprinted or embossed with apattern. Subsequently, when exposed to a force at particular location,the imprinted or embossed material in the vicinity of the force locationdeforms in order to resist the force and oppose tearing of the flexibleprotection member.

In yet another example embodiment, a flexible protection member isformed from a plurality of segments such that adjacent segments arecoupled together by a clamping member. Each segment is, generally, madefrom one or more materials and/or one or more layers of materials thatare configured in a desired arrangement similar to the manner in which aflexible protection member having a single segment might be configuredand constructed. Generally, each segment is identical to the othersegments of the flexible protection device, but may include one or moredifferent materials, layers or structures such that segments near themid-section of the flexible protection member, for example, may havedifferent mechanical and fire resistant properties than segments nearerthe other sections of the flexible protection member. Each clampingmember is selected from a plurality of different types of clampingmembers, some of which are described herein. Typically, the clampingmembers are of the same type and extend beyond the appropriate extent ofthe flexible protection member into the system's guides to improvedeployment and retraction of the flexible protection member, but maycomprise individually different types of clamps and may not allsimilarly extend into the system's guides. Advantageously, the clampingmembers add mechanical strength and stability to the flexible protectionmember, reduce sagging of the flexible protection member during exposureto fire or high temperatures, improve deployment and retraction of theflexible protection member by virtue of one or more of the clampingmembers extending into the system's guides, and aid the flexibleprotection member in passing the Hose Stream Test.

As may be gleaned from the foregoing description and from the remainingdescription below, the fire and smoke protection system is configurableand operable to substantially limit the spread of fire and smoke throughan opening. The system has many advantages and benefits over othersystems that may become apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification when taken in conjunction with the appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a fire and smokeprotection system, in accordance with a first example embodiment, forsubstantially sealing an opening in a building structure and limitingthe spread of fire and smoke through the opening during a fire.

FIG. 2A displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexibleprotection member of the fire and smoke protection system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protectionmember of the fire and smoke protection system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of aflexible protection member of the fire and smoke protection system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3A displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a secondexample embodiment.

FIG. 3B displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system inaccordance with a second example embodiment.

FIG. 4A displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a thirdexample embodiment.

FIG. 4B displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system inaccordance with a third example embodiment.

FIG. 5A displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexibleprotection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordancewith a fourth example embodiment.

FIG. 5B displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a fourthexample embodiment.

FIG. 5C displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system inaccordance with a fourth example embodiment.

FIG. 6A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of amulti-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protectionsystem, in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, before exposureto fire.

FIG. 6B displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of amulti-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protectionsystem, in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, after exposure tofire.

FIG. 7A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of amulti-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protectionsystem, in accordance with a sixth example embodiment, before exposureto fire.

FIG. 7B displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of amulti-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protectionsystem, in accordance with a sixth example embodiment, after exposure tofire.

FIG. 8 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a fire and smokeprotection system, in accordance with a seventh example embodiment, forsubstantially sealing an opening in a building structure and limitingthe spread of fire and smoke through the opening during a fire.

FIG. 9 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with aneighth example embodiment.

FIG. 10 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a ninthexample embodiment.

FIG. 11 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with an tenthexample embodiment.

FIG. 12 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with aneleventh example embodiment.

FIG. 13 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with atwelfth example embodiment.

FIG. 14 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with athirteenth example embodiment.

FIG. 15 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexibleprotection element of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordancewith a fourteenth example embodiment, in an opening through which thespread of fire and smoke is to be limited.

FIG. 16 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexibleprotection element of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordancewith a fifteenth example embodiment, in an opening through which thespread of fire and smoke is to be limited.

FIG. 17 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system havingelongate clamping members in accordance with a sixteenth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 18 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 17 taken alonglines 18-18 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.

FIG. 19 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system havingelongate clamping members in accordance with a seventeenth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 20 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 19 taken alonglines 20-20 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.

FIG. 21 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system havingelongate clamping members in accordance with an eighteenth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 22 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 21 taken alonglines 22-22 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.

FIG. 23 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system havingelongate clamping members in accordance with a nineteenth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 24 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 23 taken alonglines 24-24 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.

FIG. 25 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system havingelongate clamping members 232 in accordance with a twentieth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 26 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 25 taken alonglines 26-26 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.

FIG. 27 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system havingelongate clamping members in accordance with a twenty-first exampleembodiment.

FIG. 28 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 27 taken alonglines 28-28 and showing the elongate clamping member in a closedconfiguration.

FIG. 29 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of the elongateclamping member of FIG. 28 in an open configuration.

FIG. 30 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexibleprotection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordancewith a twenty-second example embodiment, having a front surfaceimprinted or embossed with a pattern.

FIG. 31 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fireand smoke protection system, in accordance with a twenty-third exampleembodiment, in which the flexible protection member is formed from amulti-layer structure including a metal foil element and multiple wiremesh elements.

FIG. 32 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fireand smoke protection system, in accordance with a twenty-fourth exampleembodiment, in which the flexible protection member is formed from amulti-layer structure including multiple metal foil elements andmultiple wire mesh elements.

FIG. 33 displays a schematic, partial diagram of a device, in accordancewith a twenty-fifth example embodiment, for manufacturing a multi-layercomposite material for use in making a flexible protection member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like elements and steps havesimilar numbers throughout the several views, FIG. 1 displays aschematic, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system100, in accordance with a first example embodiment, for substantiallysealing an opening 102 in a building structure and limiting the spreadof fire and smoke through the opening 102 during a fire. The fire andsmoke protection system 100 (also sometimes referred to herein as the“system 100”) is adapted for secure connection to a wall 104 relative tothe opening 102 and is configurable in a first configuration (alsosometimes referred to herein as a “storage configuration”) that permitsingress and egress through the opening 102 when no fire or smoke exists.The system 100 is also configurable in a second configuration (alsosometimes referred to herein as a “fully-deployed configuration” or a“protection configuration”) in which the system 100 significantly limitsor prevents the spread of fire and smoke through the opening 102 duringa fire.

The fire and smoke protection system 100 comprises a flexible protectionmember 106 and a winding shaft 108 (or reel 108) about and onto whichthe flexible protection member 106 is fully-wound (and, hence,fully-retracted) when the system 100 is configured in the storageconfiguration so as not to occlude the opening 102. Conversely, theflexible element 106 is fully-unwound from the winding shaft 108 whenthe system 100 is configured in the fully-deployed configuration so thatthe flexible protection member 106 fully occludes the opening 102. Thus,the flexible protection member 106 is selectively configurable toocclude or not occlude the opening 102. While the flexible protectionmember 106 may have multiple layers and multiple types of materials thatare configured and manufactured in different arrangements in the variousexample embodiments described herein, the flexible protection member 106generally includes a sheet-like member that is relatively thin inthickness as compared the lateral and longitudinal dimensions thereof.For reference, the term “longitudinal” is used herein to refer to thedirection in which the flexible protection member 106 is deployed orretracted, and frequently has its longest dimension. The term “lateral”is used herein to refer to the direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction and in which the flexible protection member 106often has its shortest dimension other than thickness.

The fire and smoke protection system 100 may be additionally configuredin a plurality of intermediate configurations as illustrated in FIG. 1.As seen in the intermediate configuration of FIG. 1, the flexibleprotection member 106 is substantially unwound from the winding shaft108 and extended to significantly, although not entirely, occlude theopening 102. In other intermediate configurations, the flexibleprotection member 106 is partially unwound from the winding shaft 108and occludes the opening 102 to a lesser or greater extent. It should beunderstood and appreciated that although the flexible protection member106 of the fire and smoke protection system 100 is oriented to deployand retract in the vertical direction according to the first exampleembodiment and other example embodiments described herein, the flexibleprotection member 106 may be oriented to deploy and retract in thehorizontal direction (or, for that matter, in other directions) in otherexample embodiments. For this reason, the terms “horizontal” and“vertical” are sparingly used herein.

The system 100 also comprises a winding shaft motor 109 mounted withinthe winding shaft 108 that is operable to rotate the winding shaft 108in order to retract and wind the flexible protection member 106 onto thewinding shaft 108 or to extend and unwind the flexible protection member106 from the winding shaft 108. A first guide 110A and an opposed secondguide 110B of the system 100 are secured to the wall 104 at respectivelyopposed locations relative to the opening 102 and define recessestherein for at least partially and respectively receiving opposed firstand second lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member106. During winding or unwinding of the flexible protection member 106onto/from the winding shaft 108 as the system 100 is reconfiguredbetween the storage configuration and fully-deployed configuration, thefirst and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106 ride and move respectively within and relative to therecesses of the first and second guides 110A, 110B. The guides 110,according to the first example embodiment, may comprise channel, angle,plate, and/or other similar members appropriately sized and mountedrelative to the wall 104 and opening 102 for receiving the lateral edges112 of the flexible protection member 106. The guides 110 are generallymanufactured from an appropriately selected material capable ofwithstanding the high temperatures produced by fires absent yielding,deflection, or deformation.

Additionally, the flexible protection member 106 has a firstlongitudinal edge 114A (see FIG. 2) and an opposed second longitudinaledge 114B that extend between the element's first and second lateraledges 112A, 112B. The first longitudinal edge 114A is generally securedto the winding shaft 108 to facilitate winding and unwinding of theflexible protection member 106 to or from the winding shaft 108. Thefire and smoke protection system 100 further comprises a rail 116 thatis mounted to a foot 118 of the flexible protection member 106. The foot118 is connected to and extends along the second longitudinal edge 114Bof the flexible protection member 106 and at least between the lateraledges 112 thereof. When the system 100 is configured in the storageconfiguration, the rail 116 resides in a position flush with a firstlongitudinal edge of the opening 102 to permit ingress and egressthrough the opening 102. When the system 100 is configured in theprotection configuration, the rail 116 resides in position in contactwith and substantially parallel to an opposed, second longitudinal edge120 of the opening 102.

The flexible protection member 106 comprises a woven fabric element 122manufactured from a woven fabric made from a non-flammable, fireresistant material having appropriate or desired fire resistance. Thewoven fabric has high structural stability and provides stability to theflexible protection member 106. A fire resistant material, acceptableaccording to the example embodiments described herein, may be obtainedfrom KTex of Herzogenrath, Germany. The flexible protection member 106further comprises a knitted fabric element 124 that laterally andlongitudinally surrounds the woven fabric element 122 as the flexibleprotection member 106 is seen in FIG. 1. In accordance with the firstexample embodiment and other example embodiments described herein, theknitted fabric element 124 is manufactured from a non-flammable, fireresistant knitted fabric having at least one thread type comprisingglass threads and at least one stainless steel wire (and/or a wire madefrom stainless steel). The knitted fabric has a course density in therange of one (1) to ten (10) courses per centimeter and/or a density inthe range of one (1) to ten (10) weft threads or warp thread percentimeter.

Generally, the woven fabric element 122 and knitted fabric element 124are each light in weight and contribute to the flexible protectionmember 106 also being relatively light in weight. Since knitted fabrichas a relatively low resistance to deformation (especially when comparedto woven fabric), the knitted fabric element 124 yields in response toexternal forces being applied to the flexible protection member 106.Thus, advantageously, the flexible protection members 106 of the firstand other example embodiments herein including knitted fabric element(s)124 also have improved tolerance to external forces that may be appliedto the flexible protection members 106 during a fire such as, forexample, the force exerted by a jet or stream of water from a fire hose.Additionally, when a flexible protection member 106 includes a wovenfabric element 122 and a knitted fabric element 124, the flexibleprotection member 106 may be manufactured using known manufacturingprocesses. For example, known knitting machines may be used in themanufacture of the flexible protection member 106 including, for exampleand not limitation, circular or flat knitting machines. Acceptableknitting machines for the manufacture of the flexible protection member106 according to the first and other example embodiments include knownknitting machines made by the H. Stoll GmbH & Co. KG of Reutlingen,Germany and Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG of Tailfingen, Germany.

As used herein, the term “fire resistant material” refers to a materialused to construct a component or object comprising a woven, non-woven orknitted fabric that is either non-flammable or has substantialresistance to burning. Fire resistant materials may include glassfibers, metal fibers, and/or wires. Typically, the woven and knittedfabrics of the example embodiments are selected to prevent a fire fromspreading or delay the flow of smoke through an opening 102 for adesired, pre-determined amount of time such as, for example thirty (30),ninety (90) or one hundred and twenty (120) minutes and may, or may not,be selected in accordance with various fire codes issued by governmentalagencies or standards bodies.

The term “knitted fabric” is used herein to refer a flat, materialobject made from a plurality of threads or thread systems that areconnected with themselves or each other by stitches. A single type ofthread or different types of threads may be used in the object. And, theobject may be warp-knitted (warp knit) or weft-knitted (weft knit) withthe weft-knitted object being more favored due to its ease ofmanufacture. If the object is woven, the object may comprise aweft-knitted fabric having only one thread that is simultaneouslystitched by multiple needles. However, the object may also comprise afabric made from several threads that are intertwined with each other.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C respectively display schematic, front elevational,bottom plan, and partial back elevational views of the system's flexibleprotection member 106 in accordance with the first example embodiment.As illustrated in FIG. 2A and as described above with reference to FIG.1, the flexible protection member 106 comprises a woven fabric element122 and a knitted fabric element 124, and has a generally rectangularshape with an overall width, “A”, and an overall height, “B”. The wovenfabric element 122 also has a generally rectangular shape with a width,“C”, (see FIG. 2B) and height, “D”, that are respectively smaller thanthe overall width, A, and overall height, B, of the flexible protectionmember 106 such that the knitted fabric element 124 appears to “frame”the woven fabric element 122 when viewed in FIG. 2A. In actuality, theknitted fabric element 124 comprises four portions 126A, 126B, 126C and126D, each having a substantially rectangular shape as seen in FIGS. 2Aand 2B and each having a dimension, “E”, that is less than the width andheight of the woven fabric element 122. Each knitted fabric elementportion 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D is arranged relative to the woven fabricelement 122 so that it overlaps part of the woven fabric element 122 asillustrated in FIG. 2B. It should be understood and appreciated thatwhile each portion 126A, 126B, 126C and 126D of the knitted fabricelement 124 has an equal dimension, E, according to the first exampleembodiment, each portion 126A, 126B, 126C and 124D of the knitted fabricelement 124 may have a dimension, E, in other example embodiments thatis the same as or different from one or more of the other portions 126A,126B, 126C and 126D of the knitted fabric element 124.

Each portion 126A, 126B, 126C and 126D of the knitted fabric element 124is generally secured to the woven fabric element 122 in a similar mannervia a seam 128 formed therebetween in the respective regions where eachportion 126A, 126B, 126C and 126D of the knitted fabric element 124respectively overlaps the woven fabric element 122. Seams 128A and 128Bare illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, and secure portions 126A and 126B ofthe knitted fabric element 124 to the woven fabric element 122. Seams128C and 128D similarly secure portions 126C and 126D of the knittedfabric element 124 to the woven fabric element 122, but are not visiblein FIGS. 2B and 2C and, hence, are not described herein.

According to the first example embodiment, each seam 128 is formed atleast in part by a first row of stitches 130 and a second row ofstitches 132 using thread 134 to couple a respective portion 126A, 126B,126C and 126D of the knitted fabric element 124 to the woven fabricelement 122 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). The first row of stitches 130 of eachseam 128 is substantially parallel to the second row of stitches 132 ofthe same seam 128. Each row of stitches 130, 132 includes a plurality ofindividual stitches 136 (illustrated as squares in FIG. 2C) arranged ina stitching pattern 138 in which the stitches 136 are positionedrelatively close together in groups of stitches 140 separated or offsetfrom preceding and succeeding groups of stitches 140 by gaps 142 andthread 134 extending across the gaps 142. Additionally, the first andsecond rows of stitches 130, 132 are arranged in a stitching arrangement144 in which the first row of stitches 130 is offset relative to thesecond row of stitches 132 such that groups of stitches 140 of the firstrow of stitches 130 reside substantially adjacent to gaps 142 in thesecond row of stitches 132 and groups of stitches 140 of the second rowof stitches 132 reside substantially adjacent to gaps 142 in the firstrow of stitches 130. By configuring the rows of stitches 130, 132according to stitching arrangement 144, each seam 128 is able to expandso that an unequal stretch between the knitted fabric element 124 andwoven fabric element 122 does not lead to an excessively great strain onthe fire resistant material in the area around the stitches 136. Inother example embodiments and to provide additional coupling strength,the knitted fabric element 124 and the woven fabric element 122 may beheld together not only by seams 128, but also by an adhesive filmarranged between the knitted fabric element 124 and the woven fabricelement 122.

The thread 134 used to couple the knitted fabric element 124 to thewoven fabric element 122 comprises, in accordance with the first exampleembodiment, a fire resistant thread 134, thereby making each seam 128more fire resistant and increasing the likelihood of the knitted fabricelement 124 remaining coupled to the woven fabric element 122 whenexposed to fire. The fire resistant thread 134 generally includesmultiple metal threads or at least one metal wire including, for exampleand not limitation, a wire made from steel or, more preferably, fromstainless steel. By using such wires, the thread 134 has high resistanceto fire, but yet is sufficiently flexible to enable the flexibleprotection member 106 to be wound around and unwound from winding shaft108. As an alternative, the thread 134 may comprise cotton, glass, oraramid fibers, and/or a combination thereof.

FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively display bottom plan and partial backelevational schematic views of a flexible protection member 106 inaccordance with a second example embodiment. The flexible protectionmember 106 of the second example embodiment comprises a first wovenfabric element 122A coupled to a first knitted fabric element 124A viaseams 128A formed in substantially the same manner as in the firstexample embodiment. However, the flexible protection member 106 alsocomprises a second woven fabric element 122B coupled to a second knittedfabric element 124B via seams 128B also formed in substantially the samemanner as in the first example embodiment. Additionally, the flexibleprotection member 106 comprises an intumescent material member 146positioned between the first and second woven fabric elements 122A,122B. Together, the first and second woven fabric elements 122A, 122B,the first and second knitted fabric elements 124A, 124B, and theintumescent material member 146 form a sandwich structure orarrangement.

As used herein, the term “intumescent” refers to a material having aheat consuming, or endothermic, physical reaction or an endothermalchemical reaction when exposed to heat. An intumescent material,acceptable for use in the intumescent material member 146 in accordancewith the second and other example embodiments herein, includesexpandable graphite. In other example embodiments, the intumescentmaterial member 146 comprises a base layer of the flexible protectionmember 106 and is manufactured from a fire resistant material into theloops of which an intumescent material is incorporated. The fireresistant material may be manufactured from woven or knitted fabric, butit is advantageous if the fire resistant material comprises a knittedfabric as the knitted fabric yields if the intumescent material expands.Also, if the loops of the fire resistant material are made with bothfire resistant threads and non-fire resistant threads, the loops madewith non-fire resistant thread come undone upon exposure to fire,thereby causing the knitted fabric to have a larger surface area andgiving the intumescent material more space to expand. Alternatively, inother example embodiments, the flexible protection member 106 includes afire resistant material that is coated with an intumescent material. Instill other embodiments, the flexible protection member 106 mayincorporate an intumescent material in a variety of other arrangementsand manners, including those described in International PatentApplication No. PCT/DE2008/000999 entitled “Fire-Resistant Closure” andfiled on Jun. 19, 2008 (published as International Patent ApplicationPublication No. WO 2008/154906 A1 on Dec. 24, 2008), the teachings ofwhich are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.

FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively display bottom plan and partial backelevational schematic views of a flexible protection member 106 inaccordance with a third example embodiment. The flexible protectionmember 106 of the third example embodiment is substantially similar tothe flexible protection member 106 of the second example embodimentdescribed above. However, in the flexible protection member 106 of thethird example embodiment, the first woven fabric element 122A is coupledto a first knitted fabric element 124A via seams 128A and the secondwoven fabric element 122B is coupled to a second knitted fabric element124B via seams 128B, where seams 128A, 128B are formed in differentmanner than the seams 128 of the first and second example embodiments.More particularly, each row of stitches 130, 132 includes a plurality ofindividual stitches 136 (illustrated as squares in FIG. 4C) arranged ina stitching pattern 138 in which the stitches 136 are not positionedtogether in groups of stitches 140 as in the first and second exampleembodiments. Instead, the stitches 136 of each row of stitches 130, 132are arranged in a stitching pattern 138 in which each stitch 136 isseparated, or offset, from preceding and succeeding stitches 136 by agap 142 and thread 134 extending across each gap 142. In addition, thefirst and second rows of stitches 130, 132 are arranged in a stitchingarrangement 144 in which the first row of stitches 130 is offsetrelative to the second row of stitches 132 such that stitches 136 of thefirst row of stitches 130 reside substantially adjacent to gaps 142 inthe second row of stitches 132 and stitches 136 of the second row ofstitches 132 reside substantially adjacent to gaps 142 in the first rowof stitches 130. Advantageously, the use of stitching pattern 138 andstitching arrangement 144 to form seams 128 is not damaging to the fireresistant material of the woven fabric element 122 and knitted fabricelement 124. Further, the use of stitching pattern 138 and stitchingarrangement 144 also renders the seams 128 more flexible when stretchedalong their length than if other stitching patterns or stitchingarrangements were used. Due to such increased flexibility, the seams 128tend to minimize the force transmitted to the fire resistant fabricswhen a force is exerted on the flexible protection member 106.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C respectively display front elevational, bottom plan,and partial back elevational schematic views of the system's flexibleprotection member 106 in accordance with a fourth example embodiment.The flexible protection member 106 of the fourth example embodiment issubstantially similar to the flexible protection member 106 of the firstexample embodiment described above with the exception that the wovenfabric element 122 is coupled near its lateral edges to a first knittedfabric element 124A and a second knitted fabric element 124B via seams128. Also, the seams 128 are formed in a different manner than the seams128 of the first example embodiment. More specifically, each seam 128 isformed by a first row of stitches 130 including a plurality ofindividual stitches 136 (illustrated as squares in FIG. 5C) arranged ina stitching pattern 138 comprising a zigzag pattern in which each stitch136 is laterally and longitudinally separated, or offset, from precedingand succeeding stitches 136 by a gap 142 and thread 134 extending acrosseach gap 142. Each seam 128 may also be formed by a second row ofstitches 132 arranged in a stitching pattern (not shown in FIG. 5C)comprising a zigzag pattern similar to the first row of stitches 130 ora stitching pattern similar to those stitching patterns of the first andthird example embodiments. Advantageously, stitches 136 arranged in azigzag pattern 138 produce a relatively flexible seam 128. Because theknitted fabric elements 124A, 124B stretch easily, the presence offlexible seams 128 tends to prevent the woven fabric element 122 frombecoming uncoupled and separated from the knitted fabric elements 124A,124B.

The flexible protection members 106 of the second, third and fourthexample embodiments described above highlight the benefits obtainedthrough the use of seams 128 having particular stitching patterns 138and stitching arrangements 144 in minimizing the adverse effects offorces applied to the flexible protection members 106. Similarly, theflexible protection members 106 of the fifth and sixth exampleembodiments described below with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A and 7Bhighlight similar benefits obtained through the use of seams 128 formedbetween woven fabric elements 122 and knitted fabric elements 124 withfire resistant 134 and non-fire resistant thread 154.

FIG. 6A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam 128 of amulti-layer flexible protection member 106 having a single knittedfabric element 124, in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, priorto exposure to fire. As seen in FIG. 6A, the flexible protection member106 comprises a first woven fabric element 122A, a second woven fabricelement 122B, and a knitted fabric element 124 that are substantiallysimilar to those of the second and third embodiments. In the fifthexample embodiment, the first woven fabric element 122A, second wovenfabric element 122B, and knitted fabric element 124 form a multi-layerstructure. As seen in FIG. 6A, a portion of the second woven fabricelement 122B is positioned immediately adjacent to and between a portionof the first woven fabric element 122A and the knitted fabric element124. The first woven fabric element 122A overlaps the second wovenfabric element 122B to form two or more layers in an overlap zone 148.Outside of the overlap zone 148, the woven fabric elements 122A, 122Bform only a single layer.

The seam 128 is formed between the woven fabric elements 122A, 122B andthe knitted fabric element 124 by a first row of stitches 130 betweenwoven fabric element 122A and the knitted fabric element 124 and by asecond row of stitches 132 between woven fabric element 122B and theknitted fabric element 124. The first and second rows of stitches 130,132 are made using fire resistant thread 134. The seam 128 is alsoformed between the woven fabric elements 122A, 122B and the knittedfabric element 124 third and fourth rows of stitches 150, 152 thatextend between and through woven fabric elements 122A, 122B and theknitted fabric element 124. The third and fourth rows of stitches 150,152 are made using non-fire resistant thread 154.

During exposure of the multi-layer structure and seam 128 to fire, thethird and fourth rows of stitches 150, 152 are undone or destroyed, andthe knitted fabric element 124 expands and stretches. With the third andfourth rows of stitches 150, 152 undone or destroyed as seen in FIG. 6Bafter exposure to fire, the woven fabric elements 122A, 122B areconnected to the knitted fabric element 124 only by the first and secondrows of stitches 130, 132 and the overlap zone 148 has substantiallycome undone with minimal overlap remaining and a sizable gap 156 beingcreated between the first woven fabric element 122A and the knittedfabric element 124. However, by virtue of the third and fourth rows ofstitches 150, 152 coming undone without the first and second rows ofstitches 130, 132 coming undone, the knitted fabric element 124 ispermitted to stretch and absorb the forces acting on the flexibleprotection member 106 during a fire. As a consequence, any distortion isfocused in the knitted fabric element 124 and not in the woven fabricelements 122A, 122B. By together enabling the absorption of the forces,the undoing of the third and fourth rows of stitches 150, 152 and theelasticity of the knitted fabric element 124 aid the flexible protectionmember 106 in avoiding the adverse effects of an external force.

FIG. 7A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam 128 of amulti-layer flexible protection member 106, in accordance with a sixthexample embodiment, prior to exposure to fire. The flexible protectionmember 106 comprises a first woven fabric element 122A, a second wovenfabric element 122B, a first knitted fabric element 124A, and a secondknitted fabric element 124B that are substantially similar to those ofthe second and third embodiments. In the sixth example embodiment, thefirst and second woven fabric elements 122A, 122B, and first and secondknitted fabric elements 124B form a multi-layer structure. As seen inFIG. 7A, the first and second woven fabric elements 122A, 122B arepositioned immediately adjacent one another such that a portion of thefirst woven fabric element 122A overlaps a portion of the second wovenfabric element 122B to define an overlap zone 148. The first knittedfabric element is located immediately adjacent a portion of the firstwoven fabric element 122A and the second knitted fabric element islocated immediately adjacent a portion of the second woven fabricelement 122A.

The seam 128 is formed between the woven fabric elements 122A, 122B andthe knitted fabric elements 124A, 124B by a first row of stitches 130extending between knitted fabric element 124A, woven fabric element122A, and knitted fabric element 124B and by a second row of stitches132 extending between knitted fabric element 124A, woven fabric element122B, and knitted fabric element 124B. The first and second rows ofstitches 130, 132 are made using fire resistant thread 134. The seam 128is also formed between the woven fabric elements 122A, 122B and theknitted fabric elements 124A, 124B by third and fourth rows of stitches150, 152 that extend between and through woven fabric elements 122A,122B and knitted fabric elements 124A, 124B. The third and fourth rowsof stitches 150, 152 are made using non-fire resistant thread 154.

Similar to seam 128 of the fifth example embodiment, the third andfourth rows of stitches 150, 152 of seam 128 of the sixth exampleembodiment are undone or destroyed during exposure of the multi-layerstructure and seam 128 to fire. As seen in FIG. 7B and with the thirdand fourth rows of stitches 150, 152 undone or destroyed, the knittedfabric elements 124A, 124B expand and stretch, and the overlap zone 148is substantially reduced in size. Also, the first woven fabric element122A remains connected to knitted fabric elements 124A, 124B only by thefirst row of stitches 130, and the second woven fabric element 122Bremains connected to knitted fabric elements 124A, 124B only by thesecond row of stitches 132. Advantageously, while the overlap zone 148has been significantly reduced in size due to the effects of fire, theoverlap zone 148 remains covered on both sides by the knitted fabricelements 124A, 124B and the knitted fabric elements 124A, 124B have beenpermitted to absorb harmful forces acting on the flexible protectionmember 106.

FIG. 8 displays a fire and smoke protection system 100, in accordancewith a seventh example embodiment, for substantially sealing an opening102 in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smokethrough the opening 102 during a fire. The system 100 is substantiallysimilar to the system 100 of the first embodiment, except that theflexible protection member 106 is configured differently. According tothe seventh example embodiment and as seen in the intermediateconfiguration of FIG. 8, the flexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A and an opposed second lateral edge 112B. Additionally,the flexible protection member 106 has a first longitudinal edge 114Aand an opposed second longitudinal edge 114B that extend between theelement's first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B. The firstlongitudinal edge 114A is generally secured to the winding shaft 108 tofacilitate winding and unwinding of the flexible protection member 106to or from the winding shaft 108. The second longitudinal edge 114B isconnected to a foot 118 of the flexible protection member 106 thatcontacts an edge of the opening 102 when the system 100 is configured inthe fully-deployed configuration.

As seen in FIG. 8, the flexible protection member 106 comprises multipleelongate woven fabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knitted fabricelements 124 that each extend between the longitudinal edges 114A, 114Bof the flexible protection member 106. However, each of the multipleelongate woven fabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knitted fabricelements 124 extend only partially between the lateral edges 112A, 112Bof the flexible protection member 106 such that the multiple elongatewoven fabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knitted fabric elements124 are arranged adjacent to one another in the form of fabric strips.In such arrangement, the elongate woven fabric elements 122 and elongateknitted fabric elements 124 are configured alternately in the lateraldirection between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexibleprotection member 106. Thus, a first elongate knitted fabric element124A is positioned at and aligned along the first lateral edge 112A ofthe flexible protection member 106. A first elongate woven fabricelement 122A extends adjacent to the first elongate knitted fabricelement 124A nearest lateral edge 112B and is coupled to the firstelongate knitted fabric element 124A by a first seam 128A. A secondelongate knitted fabric element 124B extends adjacent to the firstelongate woven fabric element 122A nearest lateral edge 112B and iscoupled to the first elongate woven fabric element 122A by a second seam128B. A second elongate woven fabric element 122B extends adjacent tothe second elongate knitted fabric element 124B nearest lateral edge112B and is coupled to the first elongate knitted fabric element 124B bya third seam 128C. A third elongate knitted fabric element 124C extendsadjacent to the second elongate woven fabric element 122B positioned atand aligned with the second lateral edge 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106 and is coupled to the second elongate woven fabric element122B by a fourth seam 128D.

Seams 128A, 128B, 128C and 128D are formed substantially similar toseams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fireresistant thread. It should be understood and appreciated, however, thatseams 128A, 128B, 128C and 128D may alternatively use one or more rowsof stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitchingarrangements as described or not described in the other exampleembodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that the wovenfabric elements 122 and knitted fabric elements 124 may be present indifferent numbers, different sizes and be arranged in differentarrangements in other example embodiments.

FIG. 9 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember 106 in accordance with an eighth example embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the flexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed second lateral edge 112B, and a generalshape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 ofthe other example embodiments described herein. The flexible protectionmember 106 of the eighth example embodiment comprises a woven fabriclayer 158 and a knitted fabric layer 160. The woven fabric layer 158includes a woven fabric element 122 that extends entirely between thefirst and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106. The knitted fabric layer 160 includes a knitted fabricelement 124 that also extends entirely between the first and secondlateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. Thus,the woven fabric element 122 and knitted fabric element 124 extendentirely adjacent and substantially parallel to one another. The wovenfabric element 122 and knitted fabric element 124 are coupled togetherby seams 128A, 128B that are formed substantially similar to the seams128 of the first example embodiment described above using fire resistantthread 134. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams128A, 128B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one ormore stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements asdescribed or not described in the other example embodiments. It shouldalso be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments,the flexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabricelements, knitted fabric elements, and/or layers of woven fabric,knitted fabric, intumescent, or other materials in the same or differentsizes, shapes and arrangements.

FIG. 10 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember 106 in accordance with a ninth example embodiment. As illustratedin FIG. 10, the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge112A, an opposed second lateral edge 112B, and a general shapesubstantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 of theother example embodiments described herein. The flexible protectionmember 106 of the ninth example embodiment comprises a woven fabriclayer 158. The woven fabric layer 158 includes a woven fabric element122 that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. The flexibleprotection member 106 also comprises a knitted fabric element 124 that,unlike the woven fabric element 122, does not extend entirely betweenthe first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106. Instead, the knitted fabric element 124 includes a firstportion 126A and an opposed second portion 126B, each having asubstantially rectangular shape when seen in top plan view. The firstportion 126A of the knitted fabric element 124 is positioned adjacent toand aligned with the first lateral edge 112A of the flexible protectionmember 106. The second portion 126B of the knitted fabric element 124 ispositioned adjacent to and aligned with the second lateral edge 112B ofthe flexible protection member 106. Each of the first and secondportions 126A, 126B extends adjacent to the woven fabric element 122 andis generally secured to the woven fabric element 122 via seams 128A,128B formed with the woven fabric element 122. Seams 128 are formedsubstantially similar to seams 128 of the first example embodimentdescribed above using fire resistant thread 134. It should be understoodand appreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B may alternatively useone or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one ormore stitching arrangements as described or not described in the otherexample embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated thatin other example embodiments, the flexible protection member 106 maycomprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements,and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, or othermaterials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.

FIG. 11 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember 106 in accordance with a tenth example embodiment. As illustratedin FIG. 11, the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge112A, an opposed second lateral edge 112B, and a general shapesubstantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 of theother example embodiments described herein. The flexible protectionmember 106 of the tenth example embodiment comprises a knitted fabriclayer 160. The knitted fabric layer 160 includes a knitted fabricelement 124 that extends entirely between the first and second lateraledges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. The flexibleprotection member 106 also comprises a woven fabric element 122 that,unlike the knitted fabric element 124, does not extend entirely betweenthe first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106. Instead, the woven fabric element 122 includes a firstportion 162A and an opposed second portion 162B, each having asubstantially rectangular shape when seen in top plan view. The firstportion 162A of the woven fabric element 122 is positioned adjacent toand aligned with the first lateral edge 112A of the flexible protectionmember 106. The second portion 162B of the woven fabric element 122 ispositioned adjacent to and aligned with the second lateral edge 112B ofthe flexible protection member 106.

Each of the first and second portions 162A, 162B of the woven fabricelement 122 extends adjacent to the knitted fabric element 124 and isgenerally secured to the knitted fabric element 124 via seams 128A, 128Bformed with the knitted fabric element 124. Seams 128 are formedsubstantially similar to seams 128 of the first example embodimentdescribed above using fire resistant thread 134. It should be understoodand appreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B may alternatively useone or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one ormore stitching arrangements as described or not described in the otherexample embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated thatin other example embodiments, the flexible protection member 106 maycomprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements,and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, or othermaterials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.

FIG. 12 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember 106 in accordance with an eleventh example embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, the flexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed second lateral edge 112B, and a generalshape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 ofthe other example embodiments described herein. The flexible protectionmember 106 of the eleventh example embodiment comprises a first wovenfabric layer 158A and a second woven fabric layer 158B. The first wovenfabric layer 158A includes a woven fabric element 122A that extendsentirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The second woven fabric layer 158Bincludes a woven fabric element 122B that also extends entirely betweenthe first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106. Thus, the first woven fabric element 122A and the secondwoven fabric element 122B extend substantially parallel to one another.

The flexible protection member 106 further comprises a metal foilelement 164 that extends between the first and second lateral edges112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. The metal foil element164 is positioned between the first and second woven fabric elements122A, 122B and is adjacent and substantially parallel thereto forming amulti-layer, sandwich structure. As used herein, the term “metal foil”refers generally to a foil made from steel, titanium, or copper (sincecopper does not rust), but may include other metal materials or alloysin various example embodiments. However, according to this and otherexample embodiments described herein, the metal foil element 164 ismanufactured from high grade, stainless steel such as, for example andnot limitation, V4A steel (also known as 1.4404 steel) or a stainlesssteel having eighteen percent (18%) chrome and ten percent (10%) nickelthat demonstrates low strain hardening, as the flexible protectionmember 106 may be rolled and unrolled many times to test operation ofthe fire and smoke protection system 100. Alternatively, the metal foilelement 164 may be manufactured from a steel whose yield strengthincreases with heating (such as, for example, a dual phase steel) inorder to provide the flexible protection member 106 with increasedstrength during and after a fire. Generally, the metal foil has athickness between twenty micrometers (20 μm) and two hundred micrometers(200 μm) when the metal foil is not used alone in a flexible protectionmember 106. When the metal foil is used alone, the metal foil typicallyhas a thickness of more than one hundred micrometers (100 μm).

The woven fabric elements 122A, 122B and the metal foil element 164 arecoupled together by seams (not shown) that are formed substantiallysimilar to the seams 128 of the first example embodiment described aboveusing fire resistant thread 134. It should be understood andappreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B may alternatively use one ormore rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or morestitching arrangements as described or not described in the otherexample embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated thatin other example embodiments, the flexible protection member 106 maycomprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements,intumescent elements, metal foil elements, and/or layers of wovenfabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, or other materials inthe same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.

It should be understood and appreciated that the metal foil element 164of this example embodiment (and, for that matter, the other exampleembodiments described herein) is self-supporting, meaning that it issufficiently strong and stable enough to carry its own weight absentsupport from other elements or components. By virtue of the metal foilelements 164 being self-supporting, the flexible protection members 106described herein having metal foil elements 164 as a single or centralelement of a multi-layer structure are possible, but would not bepossible if the metal foil elements 164 comprised metal foil merelymounted on a fire resistant material.

FIG. 13 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember 106 in accordance with a twelfth example embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 13, the flexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed second lateral edge 112B, and a generalshape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 ofthe other example embodiments described herein. The flexible protectionmember 106 of the twelfth example embodiment comprises a first wovenfabric layer 158A and a second woven fabric layer 158B. The first wovenfabric layer 158A includes a woven fabric element 122A that extendspartially between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The second woven fabric layer 158Bincludes a woven fabric element 122B that also extends partially betweenthe first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106. Thus, the first woven fabric element 122A and the secondwoven fabric element 122B extend substantially parallel to one another.

The flexible protection member 106 further comprises a metal foilelement 164 that extends partially between the first and second lateraledges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106 to the sameextent as the woven fabric elements 122. The metal foil element 164 ispositioned between the first and second woven fabric elements 122A, 122Band is adjacent and substantially parallel thereto forming amulti-layer, sandwich structure. According to the twelfth exampleembodiment, the metal foil element 164 is manufactured from high gradesteel such as, for example and not limitation, V4A steel (also known as1.440 steel). It should be understood and appreciated that the metalfoil element 164 may be manufactured from other types of steels ormetals in other example embodiments.

Additionally, the flexible protection member 106 comprises first andsecond knitted fabric elements 124A, 124B that are positioned partiallyadjacent to the first woven fabric element 122A and second woven fabricelement 122B, respectively. The first knitted fabric element 124Aincludes first and second portions 126A1, 126A2 that each extend onlypartially between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The first portion 126A1 of the firstknitted fabric element 124A overlaps a first end of the woven fabricelements 122A, 122B and metal foil element 164 and extends to the firstlateral edge 112A of the flexible protection member 106. The secondportion 126A2 of the first knitted fabric element 124A overlaps a secondend of the woven fabric elements 122A, 122B and metal foil element 164and extends to the second lateral edge 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106. Similarly, the second knitted fabric element 124B includesfirst and second portions 126B1, 126B2 that each extend only partiallybetween the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexibleprotection member 106. The first portion 126B1 of the second knittedfabric element 124B overlaps a first end of the woven fabric elements122A, 122B and metal foil element 164 and extends to the first lateraledge 112A of the flexible protection member 106. The second portion126B2 of the second knitted fabric element 124B overlaps a second end ofthe woven fabric elements 122A, 122B and metal foil element 164 andextends to the second lateral edge 112B of the flexible protectionmember 106. The first and second knitted fabric elements 124 areconnected to leads near lateral edges 112A, 112B.

The woven fabric elements 122, knitted fabric elements 124, and metalfoil element 164 are coupled together by a plurality of seams 128. Morespecifically, the first portion 126A1 of the first knitted fabricelement 124A, woven fabric elements 122A, 122B, metal foil element 164,and the first portion 126B1 of the second knitted fabric element 124Bare coupled together by seam 128A1. Similarly, the second portion 126A2of the first knitted fabric element 124A, woven fabric elements 122A,122B, metal foil element 164, and the second portion 126B2 of the secondknitted fabric element 124B are coupled together by seam 128A2. Thefirst portion 126A1 of the first knitted fabric element 124A and thefirst portion 126B1 of the second knitted fabric element 124B arecoupled together by seam 128B 1. Similarly, the second portion 126A2 ofthe first knitted fabric element 124A and the second portion 126B2 ofthe second knitted fabric element 124B are coupled together by seam128B2. The seams 128 are formed in a manner that is substantiallysimilar to the seams 128 of the first example embodiment described aboveusing fire resistant thread 134. It should be understood andappreciated, however, that seams 128 may alternatively use one or morerows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or morestitching arrangements as described or not described in the otherexample embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated thatin other example embodiments, the flexible protection member 106 maycomprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements,intumescent elements, metal foil elements, and/or layers of wovenfabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, or other materials inthe same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.

In use, when an external force, “F”, is exerted on or acts upon thefirst woven fabric element 122A in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the first woven fabric element 122A, thewoven fabric elements 122 and metal foil element 164 tend to sag.Concurrently, the knitted fabric elements 124 tend to stretch as astretchable element 166. Because the elasticity of the stretchableelement 166 is at least five times larger than the elasticity of themetal foil element 164, the distortion due to the force, F, is primarilyin the stretchable element 166 when the force, F, is acting. As usedherein, the term “elasticity” refers to the relative elongation in thedirection of an applied force divided by the applied force andnormalized to the width of each relative element. Essentially,“elasticity” refers to the Hooke's field, i.e. the interval in whichHooke's approximation applies. If a Hooke's interval does not exist, theelasticity refers to the interval between zero (0) and one percent (1%)relative expansion. In this and other example embodiments herein, it isadvantageous if the stretchable element 166 comprises a knitted fabric.

FIG. 14 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protectionmember 106 in accordance with a thirteenth example embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 14, the flexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed second lateral edge 112B, and a generalshape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 ofthe other example embodiments described herein. The flexible protectionmember 106 of the thirteenth example embodiment comprises a firstknitted fabric layer 160A and a second knitted fabric layer 160B. Thefirst knitted fabric layer 160A includes a knitted fabric element 124Athat extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A,112B of the flexible protection member 106. The second knitted fabriclayer 160B includes a knitted fabric element 124B that also extendsentirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Thus, the first knitted fabric element124A and the second knitted fabric element 124B extend substantiallyparallel to one another.

The flexible protection member 106 further comprises a metal foilelement 164 that extends only partially between the first and secondlateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. Themetal foil element 164 is positioned between the first and secondknitted fabric elements 124A, 124B and is adjacent and substantiallyparallel thereto forming a multi-layer, sandwich structure. According tothe thirteenth example embodiment, the metal foil element 164 ismanufactured from high grade steel such as, for example and notlimitation, V4A steel (also known as 1.440 steel). It should beunderstood and appreciated that the metal foil element 164 may bemanufactured from other types of steels or metals in other exampleembodiments.

The knitted fabric elements 124A, 122B are coupled together by seams128A, 128B formed with rows of stitches 130A, 130B using fire resistantthread 134 that are similar to the rows of stitches 130 used in seams128 of the first example embodiment described above. It should beunderstood and appreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B mayalternatively use more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns,and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described inthe other example embodiments. It should also be understood andappreciated that in other example embodiments, the flexible protectionmember 106 may comprise additional knitted fabric elements and/or metalfoil elements, woven fabric elements, intumescent elements, and/orlayers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, orother materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.

When an external force, “F”, is exerted on or acts upon the knittedfabric element 124A in a direction substantially perpendicular to theplane of the first knitted fabric element 124A, the knitted fabricelements 124 tend to stretch as a stretchable element 166 in the regionswhere the metal foil element 164 does not extend and is not present.Because the elasticity of the stretchable element 166 is considerablylarger than the elasticity of the metal foil element 164, the distortiondue to the force, F, is primarily in the stretchable element 166 whenthe force, F, is acting.

FIG. 15 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexibleprotection element 108 of a fire and smoke protection system 100, inaccordance with a fourteenth example embodiment, in an opening 102through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited. The opening102 is, for ease and purposes of illustration, defined by a frame 200.Other elements of the fire and smoke protection system 100 have beenomitted from the view for clarity. The frame 200, as seen in FIG. 15 andfor reference, includes a pair of opposed side panels 202A, 202B thatextend longitudinally in the vertical direction, a top panel 204 thatextends between the side panels 202A, 202B laterally in the horizontaldirection, and an optional bottom panel 206 that also extends betweenthe side panels 202A, 202B laterally in the horizontal direction.

The fire and smoke protection system 100 comprises a flexible protectionmember 106 that is gathered within and/or relative to the opening 102.The flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112A and anopposed second lateral edge 112B that extend in a generally longitudinaldirection, and has a first longitudinal edge 114A and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B that extend in a generally lateral directionbetween lateral edges 112A, 112B. The first longitudinal edge 114A ofthe flexible protection member 106 extends adjacent the frame's toppanel 204 such that the flexible protection member 106 extendssubstantially entirely between the side panels 202A, 202B of the frame200 with lateral edges 112A, 112B being substantially adjacent andparallel to respective inside surfaces of the frame's side panels 202A,202B.

According to the fourteenth example embodiment, the flexible protectionmember 106 generally comprises a substantially non-stretchable portion208 and a stretchable portion 210. The non-stretchable portion 208 has agenerally rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicularthereto indicated by arrow 212 and extends only partially betweenlateral edges 112A, 112B and longitudinal edges 114A, 114B. Thenon-stretchable portion 208 is surrounded on three sides by thestretchable portion 210 of the flexible protection member 106 such thata first section 214A of the stretchable portion 210 is present betweenthe non-stretchable portion 208 and first longitudinal edge 114A andsuch that second and third sections 214B, 214C of the stretchableportion 210 are present, respectively, between the non-stretchableportion 208 and the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B. Thenon-stretchable portion 208 has a multi-layer structure and includesfirst and second woven fabric elements 122A, 122B with a metal foilelement 164 positioned therebetween. The first and second woven fabricelements 122A, 122B and metal foil element 164 are coupled together viaseams formed using fire resistant thread 134 in a manner substantiallysimilar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein.The stretchable portion 210 of the flexible protection member 106generally comprises a knitted fabric element 124 which stretches and iscoupled to the non-stretchable portion 208 also by seams formed usingfire resistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128of the other example embodiments described herein.

The first section 214A of the stretchable portion 210 of the flexibleprotection member 106 forms a gathered portion 216 (also sometimesreferred to herein as a “folded portion 216” or “overlapping portion216”) relatively near the inside surface of the frame's top panel 204and the member's first longitudinal edge 114A. To form the gatheredportion 216, the first section 214A of the stretchable portion 210 isfolded along fold lines 218A, 218B extending between lateral edges 112A,112B and overlapped to define a first part 220A of the gathered portion216 extending from the member's first longitudinal edge 114A to thefirst fold line 218A in a direction generally toward the member's secondlongitudinal edge 114B, a second part 220B of the gathered portion 216extending between the first fold line 218A and the second fold line 218Bin a direction generally toward the member's first longitudinal edge114A, and a third part 220C of the gathered portion 216 extending in adirection generally toward the member's second longitudinal edge 114B.Thus, in the gathered portion 216, the second part 220B of the gatheredportion 216 is oriented substantially adjacent to and overlaps a portionof the first part 220A of the gathered portion 216. Similarly, a portionof the third part 220C of the gathered portion 216 is orientedsubstantially adjacent to and overlaps the second part 220B of thegathered portion 216. Collectively, the first, second and third parts220A, 220B, 220C form a “Z-shaped” folding pattern when viewed from oneof the lateral edges 112 of the flexible protection member 106.

In order to maintain the first, second and third parts 220A, 220B, 220Cof the gathered portion 216 so arranged and in the storageconfiguration, a seam 128 is formed using rows of stitches 150, 152 toreleasably couple the parts 220 together. The rows of stitches 150, 152are made with non-fire resistant thread 154. During exposure of theflexible protection member 106 to fire, the stretchable portion 210stretches and coupled with the fire causes the rows of stitches 150, 152to become undone or destroyed, thereby permitting the gathered portion216 to come undone and allowing the force of gravity to act on parts220B, 220C to un-gather the flexible protection member 106.

Once un-gathered, the stretchable portion 210 and, hence, the flexibleprotection member 108 have increased surface area with which to receive,distribute, and absorb a force exerted on the flexible protection member108. Also, the first, second and third parts 220A, 220B, 220C of thefirst section 214A of the stretchable portion 210 may stretch and yield,since they are formed of a stretchable material, in response to a forceexerted on the flexible protection member 108. Additionally, the secondand third sections 214B, 214C of the stretchable portion 210 present,respectively, between the non-stretchable portion 208 and the first andsecond lateral edges 112A, 112B may also stretch and yield, since theyare formed of a stretchable material, in response to force applied tothe flexible protection member 108. Thus, at least by virtue of theun-gathering of the first section 214A of the stretchable portion 210and the presence of the second and third sections 214B, 214C of thestretchable portion 210, the flexible protection member 108 isreconfigurable into a configuration that is more able to stretch andbulge in a direction normal to the surface of the flexible protectionmember 108 and, hence, better resist forces applied to the flexibleprotection member 108, including, but not limited to, forcescorresponding to a stream of water from a fire hose.

In addition, because the first section 214A of the stretchable portion210 is initially gathered, the stretchable portion 210 and the flexibleprotection member 106 may be sized to be much larger and havesubstantially greater surface area in the un-gathered configuration.Further, the ability of the flexible protection member 106 to resistforce is not solely dependent upon the stretchability and elasticproperties of the materials employed therein.

FIG. 16 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexibleprotection element of a fire and smoke protection system 100, inaccordance with a fifteenth example embodiment, in an opening throughwhich the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited. The flexibleprotection member 106 is substantially similar to the flexibleprotection member 106 of the fourteenth example embodiment, is displayedusing a similar frame 200 and opening 102, and comprises a flexibleprotection member 106 having a non-stretchable portion 208 and a couplednon-stretchable portion 210.

Similar to fourteenth example embodiment, the non-stretchable portion208 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from a directionperpendicular thereto indicated by arrow 212 and extends only partiallybetween lateral edges 112A, 112B and longitudinal edges 114A, 114B ofthe flexible protection member 106. The non-stretchable portion 208 issurrounded on three sides by the stretchable portion 210 of the flexibleprotection member 106 such that a first section 214A of the stretchableportion 210 is present between the non-stretchable portion 208 and firstlongitudinal edge 114A and such that second and third sections 214B,214C of the stretchable portion 210 are present, respectively, betweenthe non-stretchable portion 208 and the first and second lateral edges112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. The non-stretchableportion 208 has a multi-layer structure and includes first and secondwoven fabric elements 122A, 122B with a metal foil element 164positioned therebetween. The first and second woven fabric elements122A, 122B and metal foil element 164 are coupled together via seamsformed using fire resistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similarto seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein.

The stretchable portion 210 of the flexible protection member 106generally comprises a knitted fabric element 124 and is coupled to thenon-stretchable portion 208 also by seams formed using fire resistantthread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the otherexample embodiments described herein. However, in contrast to theflexible protection member 106 of the fourteenth example embodiment, thefirst section 214A of the stretchable portion 210 is not formed into agathered portion. Therefore, during exposure to fire, there is nogathered portion to come undone to enhance the surface area or thestretching and deflection capabilities of the flexible protection member106. Hence, stretching and deflection of the flexible protection member106 responsive to an applied force is substantially due to stretchingand bulging of the knitted fabric element 124 comprising the stretchableportion 210 thereof.

In the example embodiments described above, the flexible protectionmembers 106 generally each comprise a sheet-like member that extendssubstantially between the lateral and longitudinal edges of an openingthrough which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited. However, incertain applications and sometimes due to manufacturing considerations,it is advantageous for some flexible protection members 106 to beconfigured as a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongatesegment 230 having a substantially rectangular shape (when viewed in adirection perpendicular to a front or back surface thereof) and beingrelatively thin in thickness as compared the lateral and longitudinaldimensions thereof. When a flexible protection member 106 is soconfigured, elongate clamping members 232 couple adjacent pairs ofelongate segments 230 of the flexible protection member 106 together.Generally, the elongate clamping members 232 extend primarily in andparallel to the longitudinal edges 114 of a flexible protection member106, and may advantageously extend beyond the lateral edges 112 thereofsuch that the elongate clamping members 232 extend into the recesses ofthe guides 110. Also, each elongate clamping member 232 is typicallylocated at a distance of less than two (2) meters relative to eachimmediately preceding and succeeding elongate clamping members 232. Moreaccurately, each elongate clamping member 232 is located at a distanceof between thirty (30) to one hundred (100) centimeters relative to eachimmediately preceding and succeeding elongate clamping members 232, witha preferred distance measuring fifty (50) centimeters.

Beneficially, the elongate clamping members 232 permit a flexibleprotection member 106 to be wound onto a winding shaft 108 forconfiguration of a fire and smoke protection system 100 in a storageconfiguration or to be unwound from a winding shaft 108 forreconfiguration of a fire and smoke protection system 100 in aprotection configuration as the elongate clamping members 232 alsotypically extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of thewinding shaft 108. Also, the elongate clamping members 232 arerelatively stable against downward deflection and, hence, aid theflexible protection member 106 in maintaining its shape and in opposingsagging. Additionally, the elongate clamping members 232 are generallyeasy to install, which is important since flexible protection members106 using elongate clamping members 232 are assembled at job sites. Inthe paragraphs that follow, a number of different elongate clampingmembers 232 are described in further detail with respect to FIGS. 17-29.

FIG. 17 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 inaccordance with a sixteenth example embodiment. As seen in FIG. 17, theflexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112A, an opposedsecond lateral edge 112B, a first longitudinal edge 114A, and an opposedsecond longitudinal edge 114B. The flexible protection member 106comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongatesegment 230 extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B. Each elongatesegment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant materialincluding, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, wovenfabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or notdescribed, herein. The flexible protection member 106 further comprisesa plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230and extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B.

FIG. 18 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 17taken along lines 18-18 and showing portions of the adjacent elongatesegments 230A, 230B. As illustrated in FIG. 18, elongate segment 230A isfolded along fold line 234A to define first and second portions 236A,236B of elongate segment 230A in a substantially “U-shape”configuration. Similarly, elongate segment 230B is folded along foldline 234B to define first and second portions 238A, 238B in asubstantially “U-shape” configuration. Elongate segment 230A andelongate segment 230B are arranged such that the first portion 236A ofelongate segment 230A resides between the first portion 238A of elongatesegment 230B and the second portion 238B of elongate segment 230B.Similarly, the first portion of 238A of elongate segment 230B residesbetween the first portion 236A of elongate segment 230A and the secondportion 236B of elongate segment 230A. Frictional forces betweenportions 236A, 236B of elongate segment 230A and portions 238A, 238B ofelongate segment 230B aid in holding the elongate segments 230A, 230Btogether and resisting forces that tend to cause separation. To enhancethe frictional forces, a strip made of non-flammable material and havingrough surfaces may be positioned between portions 236A, 236B of elongatesegment 230A and portions 238A, 238B of elongate segment 230B.

The elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate clamping rod240A and an opposed second elongate clamping rod 240B. The firstelongate clamping rod 240A resides adjacent the second portion 236B ofelongate segment 230A and defines a plurality of bores 242A that arelaterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality ofdiscrete locations between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexibleprotection member 106. Similarly, the second elongate clamping rod 240Bresides adjacent the second portion 238B of elongate segment 230B anddefines a plurality of bores 242B that are laterally offset relative toone another at a respective plurality of discrete locations betweenlateral edges 112A, 112B axially-aligned with bores 242A of the firstelongate clamping rod 240A. Elongate segments 230A, 230B similarlydefine a plurality of bores 244 extending through portions 236A, 238Aand parts of portions 236B, 238B at a respective plurality of discretelocations between lateral edges 112A, 112B and that are, respectively,cooperative and coaxially-aligned with respective bores 242A, 242B. Theelongate clamping member 232 further comprises a plurality ofpre-tensioning members 246 such that a respective pre-tensioning member246 is present within coaxially-aligned bores 242A, 242B, 244. Thepre-tensioning members 246 apply a pre-tensioning force, “F”, to thefirst and second elongate clamping rods 240 pre-tensioning the elongateclamping rods 240 relative to one another and causing the elongateclamping rods 240A, 240B to securely hold portions 236A, 238A and partsof portions 236B, 238B of adjacent elongate segments 230A, 230Btogether. Pre-tensioning members 246 acceptable in accordance with thisexample embodiment include, for example and not limitation, fasteners,rivets, tie rods, screws, and tension springs. Generally, thepre-tensioning force, F, is selected to hold adjacent elongate segments230A, 230B together when a load force, “G”, corresponding to twice theweight of the components of the flexible protection member 106 presentbelow the elongate clamping member 232 is applied.

It should be understood and appreciated that clamping of adjacentelongate members 230A, 230B together constitutes an improvement overcoupling of the elongate members 230A, 230B with seams. Thus, althoughadjacent elongate segments 230A, 230B are punctured in connection withuse of the elongate clamping members 232 and, hence, the elongatesegments 230A, 230B are weakened, the mechanical weakening of theflexible protection member 106 due to seaming is substantially greater.

FIG. 19 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 inaccordance with a seventeenth example embodiment. As seen in FIG. 19,the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112A, anopposed second lateral edge 112B, a first longitudinal edge 114A, and anopposed second longitudinal edge 114B. The flexible protection member106 comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongatesegment 230 extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B. Each elongatesegment 230 is formed from and includes a first knitted fabric element124A, a metal foil element 164, and a second knitted fabric element 124Barranged in a multi-layer sandwich structure. The flexible protectionmember 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clamping members232 with each elongate clamping member 232 extending between andcoupling adjacent elongate segments 230 and extending between lateraledges 112A, 112B. It should be understood and appreciated that eachelongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials andaccording to any of the structures for flexible protection members 106described, or not described, herein.

FIG. 20 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 19taken along lines 20-20 and showing portions of the adjacent elongatesegments 230A, 230B. As illustrated in FIG. 20, elongate segment 230A isfolded along fold line 234A to define first and second portions 236A,236B of elongate segment 230A in a substantially “U-shape”configuration. Similarly, elongate segment 230B is folded along foldline 234B to define first and second portions 238A, 238B in asubstantially “U-shape” configuration. Elongate segment 230A andelongate segment 230B are arranged such that the first portion 236A ofelongate segment 230A resides between the first portion 238A of elongatesegment 230B and the second portion 238B of elongate segment 230B.Similarly, the first portion of 238A of elongate segment 230B residesbetween the first portion 236A of elongate segment 230A and the secondportion 236B of elongate segment 230A. Frictional forces betweenportions 236A, 236B of elongate segment 230A and portions 238A, 238B ofelongate segment 230B aid in holding the elongate segments 230A, 230Btogether and resisting forces that tend to cause separation.

The elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate clamping rod240A and an opposed second elongate clamping rod 240B. The firstelongate clamping rod 240A resides adjacent the second portion 236B ofelongate segment 230A and defines a plurality of bores 242A that arelaterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality ofdiscrete locations between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexibleprotection member 106. Similarly, the second elongate clamping rod 240Bresides adjacent the second portion 238B of elongate segment 230B anddefines a plurality of bores 242B that are laterally offset relative toone another at a respective plurality of discrete locations betweenlateral edges 112A, 112B axially-aligned with bores 242A of the firstelongate clamping rod 240A. Elongate segments 230A, 230B similarlydefine a plurality of bores 244 extending through portions 236A, 238Aand parts of portions 236B, 238B at a respective plurality of discretelocations between lateral edges 112A, 112B and that are, respectively,cooperative and coaxially-aligned with respective bores 242A, 242B. Theelongate clamping member 232 further comprises a plurality ofpre-tensioning members 246 such that a respective pre-tensioning member246 is present within coaxially-aligned bores 242A, 242B, 244. Thepre-tensioning members 246 apply a pre-tensioning force, “F”, to thefirst and second elongate clamping rods 240 pre-tensioning the elongateclamping rods 240 relative to one another and causing the elongateclamping rods 240A, 240B to securely hold portions 236A, 238A and partsof portions 236B, 238B of adjacent elongate segments 230A, 230Btogether. Pre-tensioning members 246 acceptable in accordance with thisexample embodiment include, for example and not limitation, fasteners,rivets, tie rods, screws, and tension springs.

FIG. 21 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 inaccordance with a eighteenth example embodiment. As seen in FIG. 21, theflexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112A, an opposedsecond lateral edge 112B, a first longitudinal edge 114A, and an opposedsecond longitudinal edge 114B. The flexible protection member 106comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongatesegment 230 extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B. Each elongatesegment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant materialincluding, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, wovenfabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or notdescribed, herein. The flexible protection member 106 further comprisesa plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230and extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B.

FIG. 22 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 21taken along lines 22-22 and showing portions of the adjacent elongatesegments 230A, 230B. As illustrated in FIG. 22, elongate clamping member232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250A and an opposedsecond elongate piping/welt member 250B that each extend between thelateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. Aportion of elongate segment 230A wraps around the first elongatepiping/welt member 250A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252A andfirst elongate loop 253A extending between the lateral edges 112A, 112Bof the flexible protection member 106. Similarly, a portion of elongatesegment 230B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250B toform a second elongate piping/welt 252B and second elongate loop 253Bextending between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexibleprotection member 106.

The elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a first elongateclamping rod 240A and an opposed second elongate clamping rod 240B. Thefirst and second elongate clamping rods 240A, 240B define respectiveelongate recesses 254A, 254B for receiving respective portions 256A,256B of an elongate retaining member 258 therein. The elongate retainingmember 258 locks the first elongate clamping rod 240A to the secondelongate clamping rod 240B. When locked together, the first and secondelongate clamping rods 240A, 240B define elongate piping/welt cavities259A, 259B extending between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106 in which the first and second elongatepiping/welts 252A, 252B respectively reside, thereby coupling elongatesegments 230A, 230B.

It should be understood and appreciated that while each elongate segment230 has been described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22 as being formedby a single layer of fire resistant material, each elongate segment 230may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any ofthe structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layerstructures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or notdescribed, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that theelongate clamping member of FIGS. 21 and 22 may be employed withelongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistantmaterials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fireresistant materials. Additionally, it should be understood andappreciated that if the elongate segments 230 are formed of metal foilelements 164, the elongate segments 230A, 230B may be wrappedrespectively around the first and second elongate piping/welt members250A, 250B and welded respectively to themselves to form very stableelongate piping/welts 252A, 252B. Further, if such elongate piping/welts252A, 252B are formed, a clasp may be employed in lieu of elongateclamping member 232 resulting in a particularly secure connectionbetween the elongate segments 230A, 230B.

FIG. 23 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 inaccordance with a nineteenth example embodiment. As seen in FIG. 23, theflexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112A, an opposedsecond lateral edge 112B, a first longitudinal edge 114A, and an opposedsecond longitudinal edge 114B. The flexible protection member 106comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongatesegment 230 extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B. Each elongatesegment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant materialincluding, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, wovenfabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or notdescribed, herein. The flexible protection member 106 further comprisesa plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230and extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B.

FIG. 24 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 23taken along lines 24-24 and showing portions of the adjacent elongatesegments 230A, 230B. As illustrated in FIG. 24, elongate clamping member232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250A and an opposedsecond elongate piping/welt member 250B that each extend between thelateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. Aportion of elongate segment 230A wraps around the first elongatepiping/welt member 250A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252A andfirst elongate loop 253A extending between the lateral edges 112A, 112Bof the flexible protection member 106. Similarly, a portion of elongatesegment 230B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250B toform a second elongate piping/welt 252B and second elongate loop 253Bextending between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexibleprotection member 106.

The elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a first elongateclamping rod 240A and an opposed second elongate clamping rod 240B. Thefirst and second elongate clamping rods 240A, 240B define respectivecoaxially-aligned bores 260A, 260B for receiving fasteners 262A, 262Btherein. The fasteners 262A, 262B lock the first elongate clamping rod240A to the second elongate clamping rod 240B. When locked together, thefirst and second elongate clamping rods 240A, 240B define elongatepiping/welt cavities 259A, 259B extending between the lateral edges112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106 in which the first andsecond elongate piping/welts 252A, 252B respectively reside, therebycoupling elongate segments 230A, 230B.

It should be understood and appreciated that while each elongate segment230 has been described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 as being formedby a single layer of fire resistant material, each elongate segment 230may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any ofthe structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layerstructures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or notdescribed, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that theelongate clamping member of FIGS. 23 and 24 may be employed withelongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistantmaterials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fireresistant materials. Additionally, it should be understood andappreciated that if the elongate segments 230 are formed of metal foilelements 164, the elongate segments 230A, 230B may be wrappedrespectively around the first and second elongate piping/welt members250A, 250B and welded respectively to themselves to form very stableelongate piping/welts 252A, 252B.

FIG. 25 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 inaccordance with a twentieth example embodiment. As seen in FIG. 25, theflexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112A, an opposedsecond lateral edge 112B, a first longitudinal edge 114A, and an opposedsecond longitudinal edge 114B. The flexible protection member 106comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongatesegment 230 extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B. Each elongatesegment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant materialincluding, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, wovenfabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or notdescribed, herein. The flexible protection member 106 further comprisesa plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230and extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B.

FIG. 26 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 25taken along lines 26-26 and showing portions of the adjacent elongatesegments 230A, 230B. As illustrated in FIG. 26, elongate clamping member232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250A and an opposedsecond elongate piping/welt member 250B that each extend between thelateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. Aportion of elongate segment 230A wraps around the first elongatepiping/welt member 250A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252Aextending between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexibleprotection member 106. Similarly, a portion of elongate segment 230Bwraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250B to form asecond elongate piping/welt 252B extending between the lateral edges112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106.

The elongate clamping member 232 further comprises an elongate clampingclip 264 extending slightly beyond the lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The elongate clamping clip 264 has anelongate central portion 266 and an elongate first leg 268A that extendsaway from the elongate central portion 266 and then loops back towardthe elongate central portion 266 to define a first elongate channel270A. The elongate clamping clip 264 also has an elongate second leg268B that, similar to the elongate first leg 268A but in the oppositedirection, extends away from the elongate central portion 266 and thenloops back toward the elongate central portion 266 to define a secondelongate channel 270B. Collectively, the elongate central portion 266,elongate first leg 268A, and elongate second leg 268B form across-sectional shape corresponding to a tilted letter “S”. The firstand second elongate channels 270A, 270B respectively receive the firstand second elongate piping/welts 252A, 252B.

The elongate clamping clip 264 is manufactured, according to the exampleembodiment, from a fire resistant, spring steel material that permitsthe ends of the elongate first and second legs 268A, 268B to berespectively spread apart from the elongate central portion 266 for theinsertion of the first and second elongate piping/welts 252A, 252B intothe first and second elongate channels 270A, 270B. Once the elongatedpiping/welts 252 are inserted, the elongate first and second legs 268A,268B spring back toward the elongate central portion 266 securing theelongated piping/welts 252 and trapping respective portions of theelongate segments 230A, 230B therebetween. Also, the elongatepiping/welts 252A, 252B are positioned at respective locations offsetforward and aft from the plane of the elongate segments 230A, 230B.

It should be understood and appreciated that while each elongate segment230 has been described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26 as being formedby a single layer of fire resistant material, each elongate segment 230may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any ofthe structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layerstructures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or notdescribed, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that theelongate clamping member of FIGS. 25 and 26 may be employed withelongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistantmaterials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fireresistant materials. Additionally, it should be understood andappreciated that if the elongate segments 230 are formed of metal foilelements 164, the elongate segments 230A, 230B may be wrappedrespectively around the first and second elongate piping/welt members250A, 250B and welded respectively to themselves to form very stableelongate piping/welts 252A, 252B.

FIG. 27 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 inaccordance with a twenty-first example embodiment. As seen in FIG. 27,the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112A, anopposed second lateral edge 112B, a first longitudinal edge 114A, and anopposed second longitudinal edge 114B. The flexible protection member106 comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongatesegment 230 extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B. Each elongatesegment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant materialincluding, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, wovenfabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or notdescribed, herein. The flexible protection member 106 further comprisesa plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230and extending between lateral edges 112A, 112B.

FIG. 28 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongateclamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 27taken along lines 28-28 and showing portions of the adjacent elongatesegments 230A, 230B. The elongate clamping member 232 is configurable infirst, closed configuration (see FIG. 28) in which adjacent elongatesegments 230A, 230B are clamped and coupled together, and a second, openconfiguration (see FIG. 29) in which adjacent elongate segments 230A,230B are not clamped or coupled together. As illustrated in FIG. 28,elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate piping/weltmember 250A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250B thateach extend between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of the flexibleprotection member 106. A portion of elongate segment 230A wraps aroundthe first elongate piping/welt member 250A to form a first elongatepiping/welt 252A and elongate loop 253A extending between the lateraledges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106. Similarly, aportion of elongate segment 230B wraps around the second elongatepiping/welt member 250B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252B andelongate loop 253B extending between the lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106.

The elongate clamping member 232 also comprises a first elongateclamping rod 240A and a second elongate clamping rod 240B pivotally, orhingedly, attached to the first elongate clamping rod 240A in a scissoror criss-cross arrangement via an elongate pivot pin 272. The firstelongate clamping rod 240A has an elongate first part 274A and anelongate second part 274B. Similarly, the second elongate clamping rod240B has an elongate first part 276A and an elongate second part 276B.

Additionally, the elongate clamping member 232 defines first and secondelongate piping/welt cavities 259A, 259B extending between the lateraledges 112A, 112B of the flexible protection member 106 for respectivelyreceiving first and second elongate piping/welts 252A, 252B. Morespecifically, the elongate first part 274A of first elongate clampingrod 240A and the elongate first part 276A of second elongate clampingrod 240B form the first elongate piping/welt cavity 259A. Similarly, theelongate second part 274B of first elongate clamping rod 240A and theelongate second part 276B of second elongate clamping rod 240B form thesecond elongate piping/welt cavity 259B.

In use, the first elongate clamping rod 240A and second elongateclamping rod 240B are pivoted relative to one another about pivot pin272 to configure the elongate clamping member 232 in the openconfiguration. The first and second elongate piping/welts 252A, 252B arethen respectively inserted into and received by the first and secondelongate piping/welt cavities 258A, 258B. Subsequently, the firstelongate clamping rod 240A and second elongate clamping rod 240B areagain pivoted relative to one another about pivot pin 272, but toconfigure the elongate clamping member 232 in the closed configuration.Once configured and secured in the closed configuration, for example andnot limitation, by a biasing member or locking mechanism, the first andsecond elongate clamping rods 240A, 240B contact, or engage, elongatesegments 230A, 230B and hold the first and second elongate piping/welts252A, 252B within the first and second elongate piping/welt cavities258A, 258B to securely couple elongate segments 230A, 230B.

The elongated clamping member 232 of this example embodiment isparticularly well-suited for use with elongate segments 230 includingone or more metal foil element(s) 164 that comprise at least one layerof metal foil material. If the elongate segments 230 are formed of metalfoil elements 164, the elongate segments 230A, 230B may be wrappedrespectively around the first and second elongate piping/welt members250A, 250B and welded respectively to themselves to form very stableelongate piping/welts 252A, 252B.

It should be understood and appreciated that while each elongate segment230 has been described with reference to FIGS. 27, 28 and 29 as beingformed by a single layer of fire resistant material, each elongatesegment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and accordingto any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layerstructures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or notdescribed, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that theelongate clamping member of FIGS. 27, 28 and 29 may be employed withelongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistantmaterials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fireresistant materials.

In the previously described example embodiments of a fire and smokeprotection system 100 and/or various components thereof, the flexibleprotection members 106 have been manufactured with substantially smoothfront and back surfaces. However, if the flexible protection members 106are made with front and/or back surfaces having a pattern imprinted orembossed therein, the flexible protection members 106 deform and bulgein a malleable way locally in the areas of the imprinted or embossedpattern elements so that the imprint or embossed pattern elements yield,thereby increasing the resistance to forces applied normal to thesurfaces. Therefore, in the example embodiments described below withreference to FIGS. 30, 31 and 32, the flexible protection members 106are manufactured with front and/or back surfaces having a pattern or atexture.

FIG. 30 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexibleprotection member 106 of a fire and smoke protection system 100 inaccordance with a twenty-second example embodiment. The flexibleprotection member 106, as seen in FIG. 30, has a first lateral edge 112Aand an opposed second lateral edge 112B that each extend in asubstantially longitudinal direction. The flexible protection member 106also has a first longitudinal edge 114A and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B that each extend in a substantially lateraldirection between lateral edges 112A, 112B. Generally, the flexibleprotection member 106 comprises a sheet-like member that is minimal inthickness (as measured between front and back surfaces thereof) relativeto the element's lateral and longitudinal dimensions.

The flexible protection member 106 includes a metal foil element 164 andhas a front surface 290 (or face 290) that is imprinted or embossed witha pattern 292. As illustrated in FIG. 30, the pattern 292 comprises ahoneycomb structure having a plurality of cells 294 (or pattern elements294). Each cell 294 has a depth that corresponds to the thickness of themetal foil element 164 and, hence, the flexible protection member 106.Thus, according to this example embodiment, an acceptable depth for eachcell 294 is 0.2 millimeters for a metal foil element 164 having athickness of 0.2 millimeters. Also, the pattern 292 and cells 294 aresized and arranged to repeat the pattern 292 within a distance referredto as a mesh width. In accordance with this example embodiment, the meshwidth comprises 10 millimeters, meaning that the pattern 292 and cells294 repeat themselves every 10 millimeters.

While this example embodiment has been described with reference to aflexible protection member 106 having a honeycomb pattern 292, it shouldbe understood and appreciated that the flexible protection member 106may, in other example embodiments, have other types of patterns 292 thatare formed with linear, non-linear, specifically-shaped, andarbitrarily-shaped elements, alone or in combination, and be formed withdifferent mesh widths. For example and not limitation, the flexibleprotection member 106 of another example embodiment may have patterns292 including lines, arcs, ellipses, polygons, or other geometric andnon-geometric elements. It should also be understood and appreciatedthat the flexible protection member 106 of other example embodiments mayhave patterns 292 made by methods other than imprinting or embossingsuch as, for example but not limitation, molding, stamping, surfaceprinting, or surface etching. Additionally, it should be understood andappreciated that the flexible protection member 106 of other exampleembodiments may have patterns 292 formed by texturing of the element'sfront and/or back surfaces including, absent limitation, by the additionand/or removal of a material(s) to the front and/or back surfaces of theflexible protection member 106, or by the addition and/or removal,partially or entirely, of a coating, film, or other material(s) appliedto the front and/or back surfaces of the flexible protection member 106.In addition, it should be understood and appreciated that while theflexible protection member 106 has been described with reference to FIG.30 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, theflexible protection member 106 may also be formed in other exampleembodiments using any of the materials and according to any of thestructures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures)for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein.

FIG. 31 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fireand smoke protection system 100 in accordance with a twenty-thirdexample embodiment. The fire and smoke protection system 100 issubstantially similar to the fire and smoke protection system 100 of thefirst example embodiment, but includes a flexible protection member 106having a multi-layer structure in which a metal foil element 164 isinterposed, or sandwiched, between a first layer 296 formed of a firstwire mesh element 298A and a second layer 300 formed of a second wiremesh element 298B. In FIG. 31, the first layer 296 and metal foilelement 164 near the corner of the flexible protection member 106 formedbetween longitudinal edge 114A and lateral edge 112B are peeled away toexpose the multi-layer structure and for clarity. While not required,one or more of the metal foil element 164, first wire mesh element 298A,or second wire mesh element 298B may be connected together such as bycontact welding. According to this and other example embodiments herein,the wire mesh elements 298 are manufactured from the same, or a similar,material as that of the metal foil element 164 including, but notlimited to, an austenitic steel like, or similar to, the steelsdescribed above in the description of FIG. 12.

The flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongatestrips 302 that extend in a lateral direction beyond lateral edges 112A,112B and into respective first and second guides 110A, 110B to aid inguiding the flexible protection member 106 during reconfiguring of thesystem 100 between a storage configuration and protection configuration.The elongate strips 302 are secured to the flexible protection member106 by clamping using elongate clamping members 232 (not shown) andmethods similar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 18 and20. Each elongate strip 302 is positioned at a distance, “D”, relativeto the immediately preceding and succeeding elongate strips 302 in thelongitudinal direction. A distance, D, acceptable in accordance withthis example embodiment, includes fifty (50) centimeters. Alternatively,since the multi-layer structure of the flexible protection member 106comprises a metal foil element 164 and wire mesh elements 298A, 298B,the elongate strips 302 may be welded, in other example embodiments, tothe flexible protection member 106 in lieu of being clamped to theflexible protection member 106 using elongate clamping members 232. Instill other example embodiments, the flexible protection member 106comprises elongate strips 302 that are present in addition to elongateclamping members 232.

Advantageously, the first and second wire mesh elements 298A, 298Bgenerally have a higher tear resistance than the metal foil element 164.Typically, if the metal foil element 164 is hit by a water jet at aparticular location, the metal foil element 164 will yield, bulge andpossibly tear at the location. However, when reinforced and supportedwith an adjacent wire mesh element 298 as in this and other exampleembodiments, the notch stress at the base of the tear is small and thetear in the metal foil element 298 does not spread.

It should be understood and appreciated that while the flexibleprotection member 106 has been described with reference to FIG. 31 asbeing formed with wire mesh elements 298A, 298B, the flexible protectionmember 106 may alternatively be formed by substituting elements madefrom fire resistant materials, described or not described herein, forone or both of the wire mesh elements 298A, 298B. Also, it should beunderstood and appreciated that while the flexible protection member 106has been described as comprising a particular multi-layer structure, theflexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed using any ofthe materials and according to any of the structures (including, withoutlimitation, the single and multi-layer structures) for flexibleprotection members 106 described, or not described, herein.

FIG. 32 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fireand smoke protection system 100 in accordance with a twenty-fourthexample embodiment. The fire and smoke protection system 100 issubstantially similar to the fire and smoke protection system 100 of thefirst and twenty-third example embodiments, but includes a flexibleprotection member 106 having a multi-layer structure including a firstwire mesh element 298A, a first metal foil element 164A, a second wiremesh element 298B, and a second metal foil element 164B. In FIG. 32, thelayers are shown peeled away near the corner of the flexible protectionmember 106 formed between longitudinal edge 114A and lateral edge 112Bto expose the multi-layer structure and for clarity. As seen in FIG. 32,the first metal foil element 164A is positioned between the first wiremesh element 298A and the second wire mesh element 298B such that thesecond wire mesh element 298B is positioned between the first metal foilelement 164A and the second metal foil element 164B. The first andsecond metal foil elements 164A, 164B may be imprinted or embossed witha pattern 292 similar to the metal foil element 164 described above withrespect to FIG. 30 such that the first and second wire mesh elements298A, 298B are arranged and reside in the depressions defined by thepattern 292 in the first and second metal foil elements 164A, 164B.

Similar to the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 31, the flexibleprotection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate strips 302 thatextend in a lateral direction beyond lateral edges 112A, 112B and intorespective first and second guides 110A, 110B to aid in guiding theflexible protection member 106 during reconfiguation of the system 100between a storage configuration and protection configuration. Theelongate strips 302 are secured to the flexible protection member 106 byclamping using elongate clamping members 232 (not shown) and methodssimilar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 18 and 20. Eachelongate strip 302 is positioned at a distance, “D”, relative to theimmediately preceding and succeeding elongate strips 302 in thelongitudinal direction. A distance, D, acceptable in accordance withthis example embodiment, includes fifty centimeters (50 cm).Alternatively, since the multi-layer structure of the flexibleprotection member 106 comprises metal foil elements 164A, 164B and wiremesh elements 298A, 298B, the elongate strips 302 may be welded, inother example embodiments, to the flexible protection member 106 in lieuof being clamped to the flexible protection member 106 using elongateclamping members 232. In still other example embodiments, the flexibleprotection member 106 comprises elongate strips 302 that are present inaddition to elongate clamping members 232.

In an alternative example embodiment, the layers of the multi-layerstructure may be arranged in a different order in which the first andsecond metal foil elements 164A, 164B are disposed immediately adjacentone another back-to-back with the first wire mesh element 298A adjacentthe first metal foil element 164A and the second wire mesh element 298Badjacent the second metal foil element 164B. Also, in anotheralternative example embodiment, the fire and smoke protection system 100further comprises a second winding shaft 108 that enables the first wiremesh element 298A and first metal foil element 164A to be wound aroundthe first winding shaft 108A and the second wire mesh element 298B andsecond metal foil element 164B to be would around the second windingshaft 108B when the system 100 is in a storage configuration. By usingtwo winding shafts 108, the first and second metal foil elements 164A,164B do not slip or shift relative to one another during winding aboutthe winding shafts 108 as might occur if the first and second metal foilelements 164A, 164B were wound on a single winding shaft 108.

It should be understood and appreciated that while the flexibleprotection member 106 has been described with reference to FIG. 32 asbeing formed with wire mesh elements 298A, 298B, the flexible protectionmember 106 may alternatively be formed by substituting elements madefrom fire resistant materials, described or not described herein, forone or both of the wire mesh elements 298A, 298B. Also, it should beunderstood and appreciated that while the flexible protection member 106has been described as comprising a particular multi-layer structure, theflexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed using any ofthe materials and according to any of the structures (including, withoutlimitation, the single and multi-layer structures) for flexibleprotection members 106 described, or not described, herein.

FIG. 33 displays a schematic, partial diagram of a device 310 formanufacturing a multi-layer material for use in making a flexibleprotection member 106 in accordance with a twenty-fifth exampleembodiment. As seen in FIG. 33, the device 310 comprises a first drum312 and a second drum 314 offset at a distance relative to the firstdrum 312. A metal foil 316 is arranged around the first drum 312. Awoven fabric 318 made from a fire resistant material is arranged aroundthe second drum 314. The device 310 includes a coating unit 320 having adispensing device 322 and a roller 324 for applying an adhesive coating.Additionally, the device 310 includes a connecting unit 326 having aheated cylinder 328 and a plurality of rollers 330 for applying a fireresistant material to the metal foil.

In operation, the metal foil 316 spools off of the first drum 312 and isdirected toward the coating unit 320. While traveling through thecoating unit 320, a paste-like adhesive is dispensed and applied to themetal foil by the dispensing device 322 and roller 324. Theadhesive-covered metal foil 316 exits the coating unit 320 and isdirected into the connecting unit 326. Concurrently, the woven fabric318 is spooled off of the second drum 314 and into the connecting unit326. Within the connecting unit 326, the adhesive-coated metal foil 316and woven fabric 318 travel in contact and side-by-side around theheated cylinder 328 which activates the adhesive, causing the metal foil316 and fire resistant woven fabric 318 to become securely connectedtogether. The coupled metal foil and fire resistant woven fabric 332comprises a dimensionally-stable, textile structure or compositematerial from which a flexible protection member 106 may be made.

If, for a particular application, the flexible protection member 106requires the inclusion of a fire resistant knitted fabric element, thedevice 310 (or a similarly configured second device) may be used in asecond pass similar to the first pass described above, to apply aknitted fabric layer to the already produced composite material. In suchcase, the composite material 322 from the first pass is loaded onto thefirst drum 312 and a fire resistant knitted fabric is loaded onto thesecond drum 314. Once loaded, the composite material 322 spools off ofthe first drum 312 and passes through the coating unit 320 where similaradhesive is applied and the adhesive coated composite material 322 isdirected into the connecting unit 326. Concurrently, the kitted fabricis spooled off of the second drum 314 and into the connecting unit 326.Inside the connecting unit 326, the adhesive-coated composite material322 and the knitted fabric come into contact and travel around theheated cylinder 328. The adhesive is activated by the heated cylinder328 and the knitted fabric becomes secured to the composite material 322to form a new composite material including a woven fabric, metal foil,and knitted fabric that may be used to produce a flexible protectionmember 106.

It should be understood and appreciated that the device 310 may be usedto produce many different multi-layer materials that may be used in themanufacture of flexible protection members 106 by loading the device 310with desired materials and making multiple passes through the device 310in an appropriate sequence to form suitable composite materials havingthe desired materials for particular applications.

Whereas the present invention has been described in detail above withrespect to example embodiments thereof, it should be appreciated thatvariations and modifications might be effected within the spirit andscope of the present invention.

1-2. (canceled)
 3. A fire and smoke protection system for limiting thespread of fire and smoke through an opening, comprising: a flexibleprotection member comprising one or more self-supporting metal foilelements sandwiched by fabric elements so as to form a multi-layerstructure, wherein the flexible protection member extends substantiallybetween lateral and longitudinal edges of the opening in afully-deployed configuration.
 4. The fire and smoke protection system ofclaim 3, wherein the fabric elements each comprise glass threads and atleast one stainless steel wire.
 5. The fire and smoke protection systemof claim 3, further comprising a plurality of elongate clamping members,wherein the flexible protection member includes a plurality of elongatesegments, and wherein the plurality of elongate clamping members coupleadjacent ones of the plurality of elongate segments.
 6. The fire andsmoke protection system of claim 3, wherein the one or more metal foilelements are manufactured from stainless steel.
 7. The fire and smokeprotection system of claim 6, wherein the one or more metal foilelements each have a thickness between twenty micrometers and twohundred micrometers.
 8. The fire and smoke protection system of claim 7,wherein the thickness is greater than one hundred micrometers.
 9. Thefire and smoke protection system of claim 3, wherein the one or moremetal foil elements have a thickness between twenty micrometers and twohundred micrometers.
 10. The fire and smoke protection system of claim9, wherein the thickness is greater than one hundred micrometers. 11.The fire and smoke protection system of claim 3, wherein the one or moremetal foil elements extend substantially between a first lateral edgeand a second lateral edge of the opening in the fully-deployedconfiguration.
 12. The fire and smoke protection system of claim 3,wherein the fabric elements are woven fabrics.
 13. The fire and smokeprotection system of claim 3, wherein the fabric elements are knittedfabrics.